Krško: A Region of Many Face

Even in a country as diverse as Slovenia, Krško manages tostand out for the dizzying array of sights and activities itoffers visitors.The majestic Rajhenburg Castle (or Grad Rajhenburg), which is perched on a hill above the Sava Riveroverlooking the town of Krško below, photo by Boštjan Colarič

Capuchin LibraryHoused inside a former monastery complex, the Capuchin Library is one of the most fascinating andphotogenic sights in Slovenia and is packed with some 1,500 mostly religious tomes, many of whichdate back hundreds of years. White gloves are provided if you wish to peruse the collection, and ifyou’re lucky you’ll also get to meet the monastery’s only remaining monk, Father Roman. Cesta KrškihŽrtev 26, +386 (0)7 490 40 00/+386 (0)7 490 40 11, www.knjiznica-krsko.siKrško City MuseumLocated in a maze of rooms in what were three 17th-century family residences, this beautifullypresented museum includes a room dedicated to Josipina Hočevar and another to the prolific sculptorVladimir Štoviček. A series of temporary exhibitions promoting Krško’s historical and cultural heritagecan also be seen, and the museum is currently home to an exhibition commemorating the Slovenesdeported by the Germans during WWII. Valvasorjevo Nabrežje 4, tel. +386 (0)7 620 92 44,info@mestnimuzejkrsko.si, www.mestnimuzejkrsko.si

The picturesque countryside that surrounds Krško in all directions is perfect for hiking, cycling or anynumber of other outdoor activities, photo by Jošt Gantar

Rajhenburg CastleA monument of national pride and recently having undergone a complete renovation, this stunningbuilding is home to several collections and contemporary art exhibitions. Dating back to the 9th centurywith a wealth of 16th-century additions, the castle is also home to Slovenia’s only Trappist monastery.Originating in the region in the 19th century, the Trappists have had a great influence on the cultivationand production of traditional foods including fruit farming, the cheese trade, bee-keeping and themaking of chocolate and liqueurs. The castle is also the end point of the so-called Trappist Trail, whichtakes hikers through Sremič and Grmada to the Church of St. Mohor before leading up to the castleitself. www.gradrajhenburg.si

Valvasor MonumentThroughout Slovenia the name of Janez Vajkard Valvasor is one that repeatedly finds its way ontostreets, squares, parks and restaurants. The 17th century nobleman travelled widely in Europe andNorth Africa and was a fellow of the Royal Society in London, but it was in Krško where he died ofnatural causes in 1687 at the age of 52. Best known for his comprehensive encyclopaedia of theCarniola region, Slava vojvodine Kranjske (The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola), Valvasor’s likeness isthe work of noted local sculptor Vladimir Štoviček. Valvasorjevo Nabrežje 4

There are a variety of great restaurants in and around Krško, from gourmet fine-dining to countrysidefarms. This is a dish from Pivnica Apolon, photo by Tomo JeseničnikTourist Information CentreKrško has two excellent tourist information centres, both of them well stocked with pamphlets andbrochures about what to see and do, where to stay etc. With advanced notice they’ll also gladly put youin contact with individual tour guides and arrange custom- made tourist packages. Cesta krških žrtev46, tel. +386 (0)7 490 22 20, tickrsko@cptkrso.si, www.visitkrsko.com